Several students from around the U.S. will get a hands-on biodiesel education during the National Biodiesel Board’s Annual Conference: Momentum, February 4-7, 2013 in Las Vegas. Sixteen young college scientists were selected to receive scholarships to the conference, a program the National Biodiesel Board views as a long-term investment. “There is tremendous potential for this NBB program to have a …
Sen. Byron Dorgan to Keynote NBB’s Momentum
Retired Senator and biodiesel champion Byron Dorgan will be the keynote speaker on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. While serving as a senator, Dorgan consistently sponsored legislation that became the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and advocated for the biodiesel tax incentive and energy program in the Farm Bill. A recognized leader …
REG Reduces Debt with Seneca Payoff
The country’s largest biodiesel producer, Renewable Energy Group (REG), has paid off its long-term debt obligations of its operating biorefinery subsidiary in Seneca, Illinois. REG Seneca, LLC retired its outstanding long-term debt obligation of $34.5 million on December 21 with cash generated from operations since April 2010. This amended and restated credit agreement went into effect April 2010 with Portigon …
Fiscal Cliff Aversion Benefits Biodiesel
The U.S. House of Representatives burned the midnight oil of the first day in the New Year and signed the Senate’s “fiscal cliff” bill. The package includes several tax extenders items, including the reinstatement of the 2013 biodiesel blenders tax credit as well as retroactive credit for 2012. Shortly after the vote, the biodiesel industry reacted including the Renewable Energy …
Ag Secretary Reacts to EPA Administrator Resignation
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has had a good working relationship with EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson on various issues important to farmers, ranchers and renewable energy and he is sorry to hear about her resignation from the Obama cabinet. “Lisa Jackson has served our country well as she balanced improving the environment and the health of the American people – while …
Thorntons Wins Paul Dana Excellence in Bioenergy
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture honored Thorntons Inc. as the recipient of the Paul Dana Excellence in Bioenergy Leadership Award. The honor was given during the Greater Indiana Clean Cities Coalition Holiday Reception by Indiana’s Ag Director Joseph Kelsay. The Paul Dana Award was established by Governor Mitch Daniels and Lt. Governor Becky Skillman in 2006 after Indy Racing League driver …
REG Newton Extends Loan Agreement
Renewable Energy Group (REG) has announced that its REG Newton, LLC loan with AgStar Financial Service, PCA was extended for one additional year. The biodiesel facility entered into this debt agreement with AgStar in conjunction with the related March 2010 acquisition of the assets of Central Iowa Energy, LLC. “We’re pleased that the lender syndicate saw fit to extend this …
Free Biodiesel Chemistry Kits for Teachers
The Indiana Soybean Alliance is offering high school teachers free Soy Biodiesel Chemistry Kits. The kits were developed by Purdue University researchers in partnership with education professionals with funding from ISA and the Indiana soybean checkoff organization. Indiana science teachers can receive the kit free as part of ISA’s program. The kit was first released in 2005 and is now …
GROWMARK System to Acquire Meier Oil Products
GROWMARK has announced it will be acquiring Meier Oil Production and Manito Transit. Both businesses have been family owned since 1936 and consisted of a trucking company, fuel terminal facility in Ashkum and bulk fuel facilities at Kankakee, Pontiac, Sheldon and Champaign, all in Illinois. Kevin Carroll, GROWMARK vice president, Energy, said the acquisition strengthens the GROWMARK System through collaboration …
Bioheat is Cool
The National Biodiesel Board has launched a new television advertising campaign in the Northeast to promote the use of Bioheat. Bioheat is heating oil blended with biodiesel and is a renewable option for consumers and businesses that use heating oil to heat homes and offices. The campaign is funded by the Nebraska Soybean Board, the United Soybean Board, the Iowa …